Can You Solve This Equation Using Newton-Raphson Method?

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The equation 3b^(2/3) - 2b = 10/16 requires solving for b with a precision of thousandths. The solution is approximately 0.199, but the method to solve it was unclear to the original poster. Suggestions included using the bisection method and the Newton-Raphson method, emphasizing the importance of starting close to the desired root. It was noted that the cubic equation derived from the original does not have rational solutions and may have multiple roots. The discussion highlights the need for a solid understanding of algebraic methods after a long absence from the subject.
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Homework Statement

3b^(2/3) - 2b = 10/16

Find solution to a precision of thousanths



The attempt at a solution

I know the answer is ~ .199, I do not however know how to actually solve the above equation. If anyone can help, I'd appreciate it, it's been over 10 years since I took an algebra class.
 
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dlp211 said:
Homework Statement

3b^(2/3) - 2b = 10/16

Find solution to a precision of thousandths

The attempt at a solution

I know the answer is ~ .199, I do not however know how to actually solve the above equation. If anyone can help, I'd appreciate it, it's been over 10 years since I took an algebra class.
Reduce 10/16 → 5/8.

Isolate the 3b2/3 by adding 2b to both sides.

Cube both sides.

The result is a cubic equation. This particular cubic equation does not have any rational solutions.

Use the bisection method, starting with a very small interval near 0.2. There is the solution near 0.2, as you said, but there's another nearby; between -0.1 and 0 .

There is a third solution that's between 2 and 3.
 
dlp211 said:
Homework Statement

3b^(2/3) - 2b = 10/16

Find solution to a precision of thousanths



The attempt at a solution

I know the answer is ~ .199, I do not however know how to actually solve the above equation. If anyone can help, I'd appreciate it, it's been over 10 years since I took an algebra class.

I believe Newton-Rhapsody iterative solving method might help you to find the roots if they are real ofcourse:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newton's_method
 
Thanks guys,

This was the end of a much larger problem and it now makes sense that I need to use the Newton's Method(this is was the end of a Calc II) problem.

It's been a long time for some algebra concepts for me so I appreciate all the help.

Dave
 
dlp211 said:
Thanks guys,

This was the end of a much larger problem and it now makes sense that I need to use the Newton's Method(this is was the end of a Calc II) problem.

It's been a long time for some algebra concepts for me so I appreciate all the help.

Dave
This is the pre-calculus section, so I suggested bisection.

Make sure your initial guess is close enough to the root you want to find. Newton's Method may find a different root if you don't start close enough to the one you're interested in.
 
But "Rhapsody" sounds so much better!
 
Mark44 said:
There's Newton-Raphson, which is probably what you were thinking of.

HallsofIvy said:
But "Rhapsody" sounds so much better!

Well, there's that.
 
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